The End of an Era - Where Dreams Come True at Pop & Kidani **NEW 5/28 FINALE

[redlight]

ME TOO! Even the 1900s would be neat. Never say never. They can't just leave that site abandoned forever! Let's start a petition to "Build the Legendary Years!"

Sounds like a good idea. Maybe they will when the economy improves.

 

[MEK]

Great update. Love all your pictures of POP. You really got a nice room location. Sorry you couldn't get through the shrubs to get over to the legendary years. It would be cool to see that area of Pop turned into something. Nice pictures of C&D.

 

[Stitch2007]

The last time I was at Pop Century I walked over to the generation gap bridge to try to get a closer look at the Legendary Years. It makes me sad that the buidings are abandoned as I would love to stay there.

 

[jenbear123]

Great update. Love all your pictures of POP. You really got a nice room location. Sorry you couldn't get through the shrubs to get over to the legendary years. It would be cool to see that area of Pop turned into something. Nice pictures of C&D.

It would be nice to see it finished. Pop Century would be my favourite Value resort! Not like it already is or anything...

The last time I was at Pop Century I walked over to the generation gap bridge to try to get a closer look at the Legendary Years. It makes me sad that the buidings are abandoned as I would love to stay there.

Hi Stitch I wonder if the Disney police would come after us if we went beyond the borders.


In all my curiosity, I found a video of someone who DID go beyond borders and explored the Legendary Years. Click HERE to watch it. Gives me an eerie feeling watching it.

I found birds eye views of the area as well on another thread. Click HERE to see the post.

 

[Stitch2007]

I was I little worried that I would get in trouble for sticking my camera through the bushes to take pictures. I've seen that video of the Legendary Years before...it's very eerie.

 

[bellebookworm9]

Jenbear,
Did you get to see all 4 characters at Crystal Palace? We are hoping to be out by rope drop, but we want to see all the characters. I'm making two plans (one with a 9am start, one with a 9:20am start) and am wondering if we will get to see them all by that time.

 

[jenbear123]

Once Chip finished checking me out, we went to check in at Tony’s Town Square. I never knew where this restaurant was. I knew it was in MK but didn’t know where. What a surprise when I found out it was inside Exhibition Hall. The dining room was very pretty but a bit small. There seemed to be extra seating in an outer area with the ceiling made out of glass (reminded me of a greenhouse). Our table was right beside the entrance to that outer area. I had hoped we’d be seated closer to the beautiful Lady & the Tramp fountain

I want this on my front lawn!

The service was good with a reasonable pace. We never felt rushed through the meal. First, we were brought some warm bread rolls with olive oil. These were nice to put something in our stomach to cure the hunger pains.

Bubba ordered Bruschetta for an appetizer.

This was okay but I wouldn’t order it again. The tomatoes made the bread a little too soggy. It would’ve tasted even better with some goat cheese sprinkled on top.
For our main entrée, we both ordered the Mushroom Ravioli

Delicious……….. until you got half way through the plate when the cream sauce and mushrooms started to get a bit overpowering. I also experienced the biggest complaint I’ve heard about the food at Tony’s – lukewarm food. It was odd. The ravioli was steamy and hot but the sauce on top was lukewarm. It made for a yucky combination. I ate most of it because I was hungry but not sure I’d order the ravioli again. Bubba seemed to enjoy it but she, too, couldn’t finish her plate. If she did, there wouldn’t be room for dessert!

Bubba ordered Tony's Strawberry Signature Cheesecake. It came with this adorable design on the plate

This was really good with a light texture.

And since I’m such a big fan of crème brulee, I ordered the Pistachio Crème Brulee

This was heavenly! Lick the bowl yummy! It wasn’t a very big portion when compared to the Maple crème brulee at Le Cellier but almost as good. Dessert was definitely the highlight of this meal.

Overall, Tony’s Town Square had me leaving with a so-so experience. It was good but I wouldn’t go out of my way to eat there again. My mom and I are booked to eat here next month since my mom hasn’t tried it yet. I’ll order something different (but the same dessert!) to see if the lukewarm temperature was just a fluke. You’ll be sure to hear all about that experience.

Total: 2 TS credits + $7 for bruschetta

The original plan was to go hang out at MK until it got close to Wishes time. Instead, Tink (from my July TR) wanted to meet up with Bubba and I (and a bunch of other CM friends) to see Fantasmic. Tink’s contract was ending while I was there so she was trying to get in everything before her time was up. Even though it’s highly unusual for me to go off my plans, I obliged Tink’s request.

After dinner, we left for DHS. When we got there, we had plenty of time to kill. And what better way to kill time than at....

I love the drawing classes. So much in fact that I bought the Learn to Draw instruction book For our first drawing class, we drew Jiminy Cricket. Bubba's turned out WAY better than mine...just sayin'
I didn't get a picture of how her's turned out, but here's mine

I'll let you be the judge.

It was time for us to meet up with Tink and the gang. We found everyone in front of ToT. I felt a bit out of place with the sudden bombardment of new people I had never met before. All of which were from Canada. Everyone was really friendly so I warmed up to them fast. It was just a matter of remembering their names - that was the hard part!

They all wanted to go on ToT but my courage wasn't up to snuff that night. Bubba wanted me to walk through the line with her and then I could just say I didn't want to ride when we got to the elevator part. I felt that was a good compromise. So we walked through the entrance, into the eerie looking house. I was in awe by my surroundings as it had been well over 4 years since the last time I went on this ride. I kept asking "Where do I exit?" Because I definitely did not want to ride! Bubba thought this was comical just how scared I was Tink kept reassuring me that I'd be able to get off. After we got through the little video part, we came out to the industrial, custodial part of the house. The elevators were right there in front of me. I nearly died. My hear started pounding in my chest as I thought "Oh my god. Where do I get off?! I don't want to ride. Where do I go?"

"How many?"

Her words snapped me out of my panic.

"I don't want to ride."

I spoke frankly and quickly. The CM directed me over to another elevator and told me to wait there.

Um, this is still an elevator. How can I trust the CM that this isn't an "out of service" elevator.

Bubba and the gang got on the ride and I was left all on my lonesome in front of these elevators doors that remained closed.

What do I do now? Am I standing in the right place?

Eventually the elevator doors opened to reveal another CM, who asked me if I wasn't riding. I told her I wasn't and I entered the elevator.

"This is a real elevator right? It's not going to suddenly drop or anything?" (I'm a little panicky, can you tell?)

The CM laughs

"No, no. Don't worry."

Don't worry?! I just went through a line for a ride that is for an elevator that drops! And you put the people who don't want to ride in an elevator to exit the ride?! Something is wrong here.....

Back on safe ground, I exited out into the dump shop where I find another girl (I forget her name) who was part of our Canadian group. She had decided not to ride either but didn't walk through the line like I did. Smart girl. We talked for about 10 minutes about the spa products and our lives in general until Bubba and the rest of the group got off the ride. Everyone seems so calm when they get off that ride or is it just me?

After ToT, we got in line for Fantasmic. Not everyone in the group came along. Tink was with us and one other guy (another server at Le Cellier) who was very nice too. This is the part I hate most about Fantasmic - waiting in line. They cram you into one big mass of people. People touching you in places that shouldn't be touched, invading your personal space!

When the flood gates finally opened, we took our seats somewhat in the middle and waited another 15 minutes for the show to start. As always, it was a great show!

....and then my camera died. The End.



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Kidding! Well, my camera did die but Bubba let me use hers for the rest of the show. I still have yet to see those pictures from her camera.

At the end of the show, we said our goodbyes to Tink and the other guy Bubba and I retired to our beds at Pop to rest our weary bodies for our next park destination

 

[onelilspark]

That bruchetta looks like they trew a bunch of tomatoes on some sliced bread. It just doesn't look good!

I think your Jiminy turned out great! We did Pluto out at DLR and it looks like my Pluto has a tumor his head is so big!

 

[glennbo123]

Nice Jiminy!

That's really odd that if you don't want to ride ToT, they have you get on an elevator to leave. Every single person who gets on that elevator must ask the same thing as you! The CM's must get tired of that.

 

[MEK]

Great update. Sorry you didn't love Tony's. I love the atmosphere, but I am sorta "eh" about the food. I have eaten there three or four times and after the last time, I decided no more. I just don't think there are any real great places to have dinner at MK. I have decided to do only TS for lunch at MK....Dinner will always be out of the park.

You sound a lot like me when it comes to Tot....only I force myself to ride it one time every trip. I know if I take the chicken exit, I will never go back. Honestly, if you are like me, then I can assure you that the anticipation is worse than the actual ride.

Nice pictures of fantasmic...at least the ones you were able to get.

Oh - Nice job drawing JC!

 

[wdwgirl03]

Thanks for the review on Tony's...we are eating there on our trip for the first time in a while. But I love all Italian food so I'm sure we'll love it.

Your Jiminy drawing turned out great!

 

[jenbear123]

Jenbear,
Did you get to see all 4 characters at Crystal Palace? We are hoping to be out by rope drop, but we want to see all the characters. I'm making two plans (one with a 9am start, one with a 9:20am start) and am wondering if we will get to see them all by that time.

We were able to see all the characters before we left at 9am. There might be a slight chance that you don't get to see all the characters. It's happened to us before, but during a lunchtime ADR. If you are there before 8:30am, you should be able to see everyone before 9am. Hope this helps!

I was I little worried that I would get in trouble for sticking my camera through the bushes to take pictures.

I felt like there were cameras watching me! But it's clearly in sight. They must be used to people trying to get pictures of it

That bruchetta looks like they trew a bunch of tomatoes on some sliced bread. It just doesn't look good!

It really wasn't very good. Definitely not worth the $7 they charge for it!

I think your Jiminy turned out great! We did Pluto out at DLR and it looks like my Pluto has a tumor his head is so big!

Thanks. I was a bit rusty and out of practice. I was much happier with how my next drawings turned out. Pluto tumour! I'm sure it was fine.

Nice Jiminy!

Thank you! He was hard to draw.

That's really odd that if you don't want to ride ToT, they have you get on an elevator to leave. Every single person who gets on that elevator must ask the same thing as you! The CM's must get tired of that.

I know. She didn't seem annoyed by it but hey, I guess that's how they have to be. It would be much easier if they installed a stairway or something. Probably they can't do it because of the way the building is designed.

Great update. Sorry you didn't love Tony's. I love the atmosphere, but I am sorta "eh" about the food. I have eaten there three or four times and after the last time, I decided no more. I just don't think there are any real great places to have dinner at MK. I have decided to do only TS for lunch at MK....Dinner will always be out of the park.

I'm almost tempted to switch our ADR to something else now. I wouldn't want to spend money on a meal that could very well be another disappointment. The question is, where shall we go? Citricos would be a good choice and definitely worth the money because I KNOW it will be good. My only concern is if they'd let us share.... Sounds like this is something to be debated in my PTR

You sound a lot like me when it comes to Tot....only I force myself to ride it one time every trip. I know if I take the chicken exit, I will never go back. Honestly, if you are like me, then I can assure you that the anticipation is worse than the actual ride.

You force yourself?! I could never do that! I know it's all mind over matter but.... I'm working on it....

Nice pictures of fantasmic...at least the ones you were able to get.

Thanks. It's probably one of the hardest shows to photograph!

Oh - Nice job drawing JC!

Thanks! I need to practice him a bit more though.

Thanks for the review on Tony's...we are eating there on our trip for the first time in a while. But I love all Italian food so I'm sure we'll love it.

I've heard their spaghetti is good but I'm afraid it would be too mushy. I like my pasta al dente. It's hard to eat at "Italian" restaurants when I've eaten the real deal when I was in Italy. Tutto Italia does a pretty good job though.

Your Jiminy drawing turned out great!

Thanks! I still like the other drawings I did better. I'm such a critic of myself.

 

[bellebookworm9]

We were able to see all the characters before we left at 9am. There might be a slight chance that you don't get to see all the characters. It's happened to us before, but during a lunchtime ADR. If you are there before 8:30am, you should be able to see everyone before 9am. Hope this helps!

Yes, that's very helpful. Our ADR is at 8:05am, just like yours, so we should be okay!

 

[redlight]

How did Bubba like her cheesecake? I love the plate design.

Your Jiminy Cricket turned out great.

 

[jenbear123]

How did Bubba like her cheesecake? I love the plate design.

Your Jiminy Cricket turned out great.

She said it was very good! I tried a bit too and also thought it was quite yummy. I liked my creme brulee better though

Glad everyone likes my Jiminy. Guess I shouldn't doubt my artistic drawing skills after all

 

[All7OfUs]

Wonderful update!

Your review of Tony's is pretty much the same as a lot of others I read- so-so. I would have gotten the ravioli too, if I ended up here; good to know it was not up to snuff!

I have no idea on the photo clue. I did some research, and I think it may be at AK in Harambe? or at DHS where there's a shop named this. Sorry, Jen, I'm really striking out with this photo game!!

 

[jordanyosh]

ToT...you love it or hate it--not much in between.

I've heard mixed things about Tony's. We ate there maybe 10 years ago and really enjoyed our meal there, but haven't made our way back. So many other places to eat and enjoy.

Glad you able to flex with the scheduling.....

 

[jenbear123]

Wonderful update!

Your review of Tony's is pretty much the same as a lot of others I read- so-so. I would have gotten the ravioli too, if I ended up here; good to know it was not up to snuff!

I have no idea on the photo clue. I did some research, and I think it may be at AK in Harambe? or at DHS where there's a shop named this. Sorry, Jen, I'm really striking out with this photo game!!

Tony's is definitely off my must-do list. I wonder if my mom would mind if we didn't go there? You're doing much better at this game this time! One of the two answers you gave is right!

ToT...you love it or hate it--not much in between.

I've heard mixed things about Tony's. We ate there maybe 10 years ago and really enjoyed our meal there, but haven't made our way back. So many other places to eat and enjoy.

Glad you able to flex with the scheduling.....

I wouldn't call my dislike of ToT "hating" it... just a bit scared of it! Glad to see I'm not the only one to have heard mixed reviews about Tony's. You're right, there are much better places to eat at!

 

[stayhomemom77]

Hello fellow Canadian!!

We too got made fun of in Epcot by a CM regarding our "accent." And for calling soda "pop." My kids are 5 and 6 and were really quite offended. I thought that was really funny.

I think it's so cool that you are able to travel to WDW so often (jealous <sigh>) in part due to Bubba's contract.

I read your November TR first and was all excited to see if I could recognize her when we eat at Le Cellier in three weeks...then I read this TR and realized that would be impossible.

I'm the biggest Disney freak in my family (surprisingly given the ages of my kids) but I don't have any particular character favourties. Maybe that will change after this trip.

Can't wait for more...

 

[jenbear123]

Hello fellow Canadian!!

Why, hello there! Nice to have you join in

We too got made fun of in Epcot by a CM regarding our "accent." And for calling soda "pop." My kids are 5 and 6 and were really quite offended. I thought that was really funny.

Your kids were offended? Awww. What about you? I always forget we call our carbonated beverages a different name. Crazy!

I think it's so cool that you are able to travel to WDW so often (jealous <sigh>) in part due to Bubba's contract.

It has been nice this past year but this is where it ends. I'll be lucky if I get there more then twice this year.

I read your November TR first and was all excited to see if I could recognize her when we eat at Le Cellier in three weeks...then I read this TR and realized that would be impossible.

Oh no! That's too bad you've missed her. There's so many great servers whom Bubba worked with that are leaving as well. Going in 3 weeks you say? That's when I'll be there too! I'll PM you a couple servers to ask for when you're at Le Cellier, if interested.

I'm the biggest Disney freak in my family (surprisingly given the ages of my kids) but I don't have any particular character favourties. Maybe that will change after this trip.

You gotta have at least one favourite. Hope you find it on your next trip. I'm probably the biggest Disney fan in my family aside from my Mom. She shares my enthusiasm for the World too.

Can't wait for more...

Thanks for joining! I see you're in the midst of a PTR as well. I'm gonna go check it out